Richard Merrill Bird

Madison WI- Richard M. Bird, 90, passed away from natural causes on April 9, 2022, under the care of Agrace Hospice at Ingleside Skilled Nursing Facility in Mt. Horeb, WI. Dick was born to R. Merrill and Nora (Moore) Bird. He was married to Mary (Eckley) for nearly 70 years. Dick started his career in the dairy business where he formulated his well-tested opinion that Breyers makes the best ice cream. He later purchased his own business, Robert Half of WI. He enjoyed playing guitar in Command Performance, a big band that played in the Milwaukee area. He moved from Elm Grove to Merton WI, and finally to the Madison area in 2016.

He is survived by his wife Mary, sister Merrelyn (Jim) Brand, daughters MaryAnn (John) Roelke, Martha Bird, Susan Hart, grandchildren Emily, Stephanie, Jon, Zaccary, Ryan, and son-in-law David Groth. Dick is preceded in death by his daughter Gail (Groth), brother Alan, and his parents.

A memorial will be held at New Life Church, Madison, for close friends and family. Memorials would be gratefully received by National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Namiwisconsin.org (Be sure to note in the memory: "in honor of Richard Bird, c/o Mary Ann at mbroelke@gmail.com")


Informed Choice Funeral
& Cremation Alternatives
3325 E. Washington Ave. Madison
(608) 249-6758